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Holland could return before All-Star break

Holland could return before All-Star break

ARLINGTON -- Manager Ron Washington was impressed with Martin Perez's first big league start Saturday but left open the possibility that Derek Holland could retake his spot in the Rangers rotation.

Holland will make his second rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Monday. His pitch count is set at about 75-80 pitches. The current plan is to have Holland make a third rehab start and take the mound for the Rangers after the All-Star break. But, with an off-day coming Monday, Yu Darvish's next start could be moved up to Friday's series opener against the Twins, which would allow Holland to possibly start Saturday.

"There's a chance. You can't rule it out," Washington said. "We'll have some of our big eyes down there. If they feel like maybe we need to let him have the start, that might be the way it'll be. But that's not a decision we've made."

If Holland does make his a third start with Round Rock, Washington will choose between Perez and Justin Grimm for the start against the Twins. Perez gave up two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in Saturday's win over the A's, while Grimm is 1-1 with an 11.57 ERA in two starts.

Roy Oswalt will pitch Tuesday's series opener against the White Sox, followed by Scott Feldman on Wednesday and Matt Harrison on Thursday. If Holland pitches well Monday in Round Rock, he could rejoin the Rangers on Friday when they return to Arlington.

"That could change. Write it in pencil so you can erase it," Washington said. "It's an option, that's all it is."